Single User Mode

A macOS troubleshooting mode that boots to a command-line interface with root access (Intel Macs only). Useful for advanced system repairs and diagnostics.

What to Know

Single User Mode provides direct command-line access to the macOS file system and system utilities when the graphical interface won’t load or more advanced troubleshooting is required than Recovery Mode provides. IT professionals use Single User Mode to manually repair file systems, reset passwords, modify system files, and diagnose boot failures at a deeper level than GUI tools allow. However, FileVault encryption prevents Single User Mode access unless disabled, and modern Macs with T2/Apple Silicon chips have largely replaced Single User Mode with Recovery Mode.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: On older Intel Macs without T2 chips, IT uses Single User Mode to reset forgotten passwords, manually run file system checks, or modify system configurations preventing normal boot. However, modern security requirements typically prevent Single User Mode access via FileVault and Firmware Password.

MSP: MSPs historically used Single User Mode for advanced troubleshooting on client Macs, but modern security features and Apple Silicon architecture have made Recovery Mode the primary troubleshooting environment instead.

Education: School IT on older Mac fleets occasionally uses Single User Mode for deep troubleshooting and password resets on lab Macs, though modern deployments rely on FileVault and Firmware Password which prevent Single User Mode access.

In Addigy

Single User Mode operates completely outside of MDM, and modern Macs with FileVault and secure boot prevent its use. Addigy admins should instead guide users through Recovery Mode for troubleshooting, which provides similar repair capabilities with better security integration.